[thakoppno]

In the US at least it seems like we’re at the stage where every new account created is essentially tied back to a social security number.

One cannot get an e-mail address without a phone. One cannot get a phone without a credit check. A credit check requires a social security number.

[DanAtC]

Prepaid phones are readily available in the US, no ID or SSN required.

[Gh0stRAT]

Prepaid phones all-too-often can't be used for SMS/phone authentication. Banks in particular seem to dislike them.

(when it doesn't work, you'll usually get an error message about the number not being supported or words to that effect)